Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has announced a major update to how users will post and watch videos on the platform. Soon, all videos shared on Facebook — whether short or long — will be published as Reels. This marks the end of traditional horizontal videos on the app.

So far, users could choose between uploading standard videos or Reels, each with different tools and formats. But with this change, Meta is merging both into one single format: Reels. This update is part of Meta’s larger plan to focus more on short-form, engaging content.

Interestingly, the new system won’t be limited to short, vertical videos. Facebook will now allow Reels to be longer and even horizontal. This removes earlier restrictions and gives users more freedom when creating content.

The update will also include improved privacy and publishing controls. Meta will unify the audience settings for both Feed posts and Reels, so users can apply the same privacy rules across all their videos. This will make it easier for creators to manage who sees their content.

This shift is expected to benefit influencers and digital creators, helping them reach the right audience more effectively, especially after adjusting their privacy and posting settings.

Meta rebranding Facebook’s familiar Video tab as the Reels tab is another tweak in the offing. However, the tech giant has assured the users that the video recommendations will remain personalised based on their overall interests and engagement patterns on the platform.

Content creators will have at their disposal a wider set of editing tools, including music, effects, filters and templates to enrich their video content and viewer experience. The update to the reel-only video content doesn’t mean Facebook plans to eliminate the previously posted horizontal videos, with Meta clarifying old videos posted by users and creators will remain unchanged on their profiles and pages. “Video content you’ve already shared isn’t going anywhere – it will remain on your profile or Page for your audience to enjoy, and creators will be eligible for distribution," an official blog post by Meta said.